Dwight had trouble understanding what Mister Caulfield told him. His words replayed over and over. He went to his locker, grabbing a notebook. Before leaving, Dwight leans his head up against the locker, taking a second to breathe and recollect everything.
"Who hates me? What have I done? PLEASE tell me, how much worse can this day be?" Dwight thought.
In a fit of rage, he let off steam by punching his locker, accidentally startling people walking by. His anger boiled to where anything around him was unimportant. As Dwight's hand felt like it had taken enough pain, someone leaned against the locker beside him.
"Hey, are you good? My fault. I do not mean to intrude on your little outburst, but I couldn't help noticing you looked way more stressed out than you did during the exam earlier. Would you like company?" A familiar individual asked.
Dwight turned to face the person. It was Drex, the same guy who helped him before. He appeared a couple inches taller and slightly bulky, leaning against the locker next to Dwight. Drex came off polite with a hint of sarcasm when speaking.
"Oh, hey! You are that guy, Drex." Dwight said. "You helped me with my exam. After class I looked for you but could not find you at all. I wanted to say thank you for the help back there. It has literally been the highlight of my entire day so far."
"Hey man, no need to mention it. I truly could have done better by being more stealthy. Especially with the amount of work you had to copy in a short time, I highly doubt you will get anything higher than a 70. So don't thank me yet. But let's just hope that you're lucky." Drex responded.
"Thank you regardless. I don't think I would have gotten past the first question." Dwight said. A considerate amount of time was spent conversing with each other until class schedules were brought up. "Anyway, It's been a pleasure talking with you. I should probably head to my next class now—before I do, can I ask you a small question?"
With a slight sigh, Drex nods, granting Dwight the floor. "Sure, go ahead. Ask away."
Dwight exhales slowly, gathering his thoughts before finally posing his question. "I mean no offence to my question, but is Drex your actual name? Not to say it's weird or anything, I just can't recall hearing the teacher say that name during attendance besides today."
After recollecting his thoughts, Drex took a brief pause and finally spoke up. "Well Dwight, it's actually a nickname given by me. I like being called Drexler, Drex for short. There's an annoyance I get when people intentionally say my dead name, like the teachers. Man, I hate when they do that," Drex says, clenching his fists. He turns to find Dwight watching him in silence, which felt like a reminder for him to calm down. "But yeah, it's mainly due to personal trauma. I won't get into details. you have somewhere to be."
"Listen, I hear that. The whole thing you said about people using your dead name on purpose, I understand that feeling deep down. It irks me as well when people do it deliberately. I have no idea if you know my true name, but for a good while I've told many people to call me Dwight. That's a nickname given to me by myself. You aren't alone, Drexler." Dwight addresses him by his preferred name, showing respect.
A small grin appears across Drex's face as Dwight recognizes from his expression alone how much that meant a lot. The majority of their chat was mostly devoted to them introducing themselves properly.
Noticing the clock up above, Dwight knew the late bell would ring in six minutes, forcing him to depart immediately. "Oh crap, I almost forgot. I have to go now, Drex." he says in a hurried tone. "It has been nice getting to know you. I hope the rest of your day goes well. Stay safe."
"Same here," Drex says with a small grin. "Maybe we'll run into each other again."
With that, Dwight waved bye and headed towards the main staircase. Despite the rough beginning of his day, his mood felt less stressed and felt a little lighter after having a regular discussion with someone who understood him.
As Dwight turned the corner, his focus went back to the talk with Mister Caulfield, remembering the reason for him being upset before when he accidentally collided with someone else holding a stack of books, causing multiple supplies to tumble over.
Guilt-ridden, Dwight reaches down to assist in collecting scattered papers belonging to the unknown person. He kept apologizing until he looked up and realized it was 'Violet,' the same girl from before.
They exchanged quiet glances, neither of them trying to hide their awkwardness, especially Dwight.
"Come on, you have got to be kidding me! After everything I've been through, of course it has to be her! Tell me who has a personal vendetta against me? What Have I done?"
Dwight thought to himself, observing how embarrassed Violet appeared. He recalled what occurred earlier, understanding why things were uncomfortable between them.
"I could have been more helpful before; that's on me. She truly does deserve an apology though." Dwight reflects on himself.
"Uh hey, nice to see you again. I just wanted to apologize for bumping into you just now and what happened ear—" Dwight's words were abruptly cut short as Violet interrupted him.
"WE'RE COOL. Like I said before, It was my fault for bothering you after an exam, do not worry about it. Just have a good rest of your day. I have to go."
Violet grabs her last remaining items, but in her hurry, a piece of paper slipped from her grasp and fell down. Dwight picks up the paper and tries giving it back, but when he looks up, she is already sprinting down the hallway.
The conversation with Miss Hernandez played in his head. He questioned himself for a slight moment. That is when Dwight stopped hesitating and ended up chasing after her, hoping they could redo their interaction. As he tried catching up, Violet did a quick turn at the corner.
Dwight reached the corner; he lost sight of her without a trace. In confusion, Dwight checked in every direction she could have gone, having no luck. Students walked passed, heading to class. He made sure to check more than once as Fred came running downstairs, catching Dwight's attention.
"Fred! I am so glad to see you! Listen, I have a quick question: have you seen a girl passing by here at all? Looking around 5'4, dark-colored hair, wearing headphones and a sweater?" Dwight asked, sounding out of breath.
Students watch with concern. Fred, noticeably overwhelmed, stared at the exit, seeing nobody there. Emotions were apparently high and seemed to be mentally getting to him. This is when all of sudden, Dwight reached over and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Woah, Hey, you look shaken up. Are you okay?" Dwight asks, leading Fred to a chair. As he takes a seat, Dwight hands him a bottle of water. "Here, Fred, take this as well. You look sort of dehydrated."
After some time, Fred felt more like himself again. Expressing his gratitude while he still checks time regularly.
"Aye Fred, looking like your old self again. That's a good sign, but I am sorry for adding unnecessary stress. After how long today has been I cannot really imagine anyone getting by without losing it just a small bit." Dwight said jokingly, nudging Fred's shoulder returning with a weak smile.
Neither were particularly expressive talkers which made things difficult. Instead, they spent quality time playing first-person shooters and Isaac mod which had no set objective, but players are allowed to make random contraptions, spawn random items and unplayable characters.
After a bit, the games became repetitive. Fred lost interest in playing, deciding to focus on his environment while he leaned up against a window. Dwight pauses mid game, puts his phone away and stands next to Fred side by side.
"You know what Dwight? This is a nice view we got here. I wish it never had to end..."
Fred acknowledges planes fly above, as the trees sway back and forth. Nearby is a public park where adults visit and enjoy the outdoors, connecting with nature.
Dwight hasn't shared much connection with the outdoors since he was twelve, but it made sense why Fred loved it.
"Yeah, I guess it gives a sense of tranquility. I have an idea: Maybe in the future, when we all move out, we could have all kinds of adventures with the others and explore different places like 'portal mount.' How does that sound? It wouldn't be such a bad idea." Dwight suggests.
Fred's smile disappears. He looks away from the window and stares at the ticking clock. His emotions were all over, shifting from nervousness to euphoria.
"I realize exam day has always been a pain. Now that it's finished, why not celebrate our accomplishments Dwight." Fred asked, heading straight into the auditorium.
Dwight curiously follows behind heading inside; they are met with silence when their footsteps hit the ground underneath.
"I may not understand a whole lot about celebrating but what are we doing here, Fred?" Dwight asks, immediately after hearing the fourth period bell go off.
Fred wasn't being vocal and instead kept reassuring Dwight to keep following him as they went up on stage.
Moving the curtains aside, Fred uses his phone light to show him a ladder hidden behind a stack of boxes. Dwight's confused expression reveals how incomprehensive Fred's actions are.
Fred rolled his eyes and climbed. Dwight took a glance behind him before going ahead and making it to the top. Fred smirked, plugging two wires together as different colors flashed. He smiled with arms wide open introducing Dwight to a small hideout he made. There were blankets, card games, multiple pictures taped on the wall and a small television connected to an Axe-box console.
"Fred, when did you– I mean, how did you— This looks amazing!"
Dwight expresses how amazed and envious he felt that Fred did so much in the short amount of time he's been at the school.
"Oh trust me, Dwight. I luckily found this place during one of my study sessions. Ever since then I've been planning to make this our hangout spot." Fred says, taking out a handmade sign from his backpack. He hung it near the ladder, written in big bold letters.
'𝘍𝘶𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘣'
"Place looks great, however I am not too sure the name itself is good. It kind of sounds questionable without context." Dwight says.
Fred stares cautiously at the sign figuring what he meant as he turns back to Dwight confused. "Is there something wrong with the sign? I called it that because it's a place meant for fun and to enjoy a sense of pleasure outside of just school work." Fred innocently says, causing Dwight to hold back his smiles knowing how immature he truly is.
Dwight shook his head with a light chuckle, letting the moment pass as Fred proudly adjusted the crooked sign. Next, they rearrange crates and boxes into makeshift chairs or beds, taping up posters Fred had rolled up in his backpack.
When they were finally done, Dwight laid back onto one of the makeshift beds with a tired sigh, brushing dust off his clothes. Fred stood in the center of the room, slowly turning as he took everything in. The small lightbulb above, the smell of old wood, and the scattered traces of their handiwork.
A small, satisfied smile crept into his face, "It's not much. But, It will do—home sweet home," he said quietly.
(One hour later)
Fred spent the duration of their time eating snacks and reading comics. Dwight goes through each moment captured on camera and picks out a few specific ones to analyze.
"Hey Fred, remember that time at the skating rink with Kyle?"
"Yes of course, he held Oliver's hand so many times people started believing they were a couple," Fred says, letting out a soft chuckle. "Ooh how about the other time we tried to catch a fly at Oliver's place and ended up wrecking his entire room?"
"Yeah, I can never forget that one. We never even caught that fly anyway."
Dwight proceeded with looking at each picture and talking about them. He reminisced for longer, feeling a sense of nostalgia. Fred then brings up another old memory that wasn't captured.
"We just have to bring up Halloween. I remember us visiting that haunted house attraction. Oliver took the lead, Kyle checked his surroundings and Jaliene wouldn't stop holding your shirt."
Fred begins laughing until he looks at Dwight who is now blushing and looking a little sad for some reason. Fred offers a hug which Dwight accepts realizing how much he needs one. They stay in their same position for a couple seconds until Fred whispers into Dwight's ear
"Wanna know my input? I honestly think you and Jaliene would make such a cute couple."
Dwight, without hesitation, pulls away. Fred continuously laughed nervously, keeping a pillow between them for his own protection.
They joke around for a while longer until being hit with a sugar crash. When the bell rang, marking the start of sixth period, Fred and Dwight agreed that it was time to wrap up their 'fun time' and leave.
Dwight gathered garbage left from their snack fiasco, Fred disconnected any LED lights, pausing midway when his eyes focused on a photograph taken a few days before the incident, a memory still sharp in all of their minds. Fred gives a deep sigh turning towards Dwight.
"I meant what I said back at the bridge, you aren't alone with that feeling. Somedays are gonna feel harder but we have to be stronger, prove ourselves even if it's hard right now to believe." Fred says before climbing down, Dwight's left stunned, unsure how to proceed.
Walking into the hallways, Fred noticed standing by the main office is where his parents stood.
"THERE YOU ARE! We have been looking everywhere for you." Miss Martella yells somewhat, her eyes tearing up.
Before Fred could respond, she pulled him in for a close hug. Dwight stood a few steps back, curious by their unexpected outburst reaction.
"DON'T YOU EVER SCARE US LIKE THAT AGAIN," Mister Martella said, trying to sound strict, but instantly changed his tone to warm loving dad. "Oh, I am just so happy you are okay son."
All three of them hugged. Dwight awkwardly stood there, making up different excuses to leave. Many ideas came up like pretending to have an important phone call or heading into the direction of his next class but actually will go somewhere else.
Sooner than later, Mister and Misses Martella looked over and noticed Dwight standing by the doorway. They walk over, greeting him with kind words and gestures.
"How are you doing, Dwight?"
"I am alright sir, just focusing on my studies."
Fred scoffs at Dwight's statement and lets him slide after teasing him so much earlier about liking Jaliene.
"How is your little brother Ethan? He is going into middle school, right?"
"Actually, he's still in middle school. There also hasn't really been much going on with him either."
"Oh, wow. Well, when you see him, let him know we say hi and we offer our condolences for what happened."
"...I will make sure to let him know you said hi."
Mister Martella receives a phone call and cuts the conversation short, heading into the hallway as Miss Martella follows behind. Dwight waits for their return and stays with Fred who seems stuck in a trance. He taps him on the shoulder as Fred looks at him with a blank expression.
"Thank you for being there for me, Dwight. You have always been. My gift towards you is the hideout, which is why no matter what happens keep on remembering how much time we spend together, okay." Fred says, quivering his lips, seeming to be holding emotions back.
"Why are you talking like that? Do not say it like that, I promised before we were gonna be okay." Dwight stated, focusing exclusively on positive vibes only.
Normally positive motivation regularly helps build Fred's demeanor but things happened differently this time around. Something about how Fred glared at him seems unpleasant. It's like nothing he spoke went through instead faded into an empty expressionless void without any meaning. Mister Martella approaches the school administrator sitting by a counter letting them know about Fred's whereabouts for the remainder of today allowing him to be excused and escorted out.
When Fred walks away, Dwight's gaze follows him. After what transpired, there is subtle tension built up after what happened. Halfway through, Fred halts and glances over his shoulder to ask his parents if he can say more to Dwight before leaving.
"Well, Alright then, that sounds good to me. Just do not take longer than a few minutes. Your younger cousin Jimmy came to visit and he has been waiting to see you."
"Awh mom, why? Why of all the people in our family it's him who comes by."
"Now, Now, you remember what we said about being respectful, Freddy. Jimmy is your cousin and he loves you. You will show respect." Miss Martella says strictly.
"But mom, he acts way too goofy and obnoxious. It literally gets on my nerves, don't you think?"
"Fred, I understand your annoyance. But it's just gonna be for a week. Remember he's only two years younger, go easy on him, maybe on your end you could attempt a different approach. Take this opportunity while you still have it. Most people aren't allowed that chance, heck who even knows, maybe when doing so things might end up differently."
"Ugh- Fine, I will try giving it a shot, but he isn't sleeping in my bed again!" Fred says seriously, keeping that last rule very clear.
They walk in separate ways as Mister and Misses Martella stay waiting outside while Fred speaks with Dwight alone.
"I am sorry, Dwight. Kind of let my inner thoughts speak out before thinking again. I just wanted to say sorry for worrying you. I Hope you can forgive me."
Dwight knew there was something that wasn't being said but due to lack of time there was not a whole lot that could be said.
"Do not worry about it, trust me if I was one to constantly nitpick everything my friends did that seemed slightly questionable it would drive me bananas." Dwight says reassuring Fred.
"Thanks for understanding. It says a lot about you as a person," Fred says overhearing his dads car honking outside, "Oof, I guess they are getting a little impatient. I will see you around Dwight."
"See ya Fred, keep me updated on your side."
"That is why I always have my message open. Another thing, sorry for not being able to help find that girl you were talking about."
Fred's comment reminded Dwight about his question from earlier, he never received much of an answer in return. A part of him wanted to bring it up, maybe even figuring out where she could have gone but knowing how the day has been so far he thought it was better putting it off for another day.
"Do not worry about it. I just needed to ask her something. Any who, you stay safe out there, Fred."
Dwight patted his head wanting to cheer him up before leaving. They waved at each other until Fred was out of sight. Dwight tried heading towards his next class and was suddenly stopped by two security guards who approached him.
"Young man, where are you supposed to be?" The female guard asked.
Dwight did not have a whole lot to say in response, but he did ask if they had seen a girl pass through. The question seemed to only annoy both the male and female guard, prompting Dwight to stop talking altogether. He did manage to catch a glimpse of their names tags before staying silent.
"Listen kid, we are not here to deal with nonsense. Now do us and yourself a favor and get back to class!" The guard named Richard spoke.
It was easy for Dwight to already tell he was not going to get anywhere speaking with them. There was a smugness in their tone, coming off cold and stuck up at the same time.
Dwight kept his eyes on them, resisting to argue back, knowing any response would be twisted or dismissed. From how it seemed, Richard did not want to hear answers or be asked questions. He wanted to feel in control. Same went for his partner, apparently named Samantha. She stood by him with irritation, plus a type of mannerism that made her unapproachable.
Giving a final stare, Dwight goes upstairs noting how both security guards were now talking behind his back. "All these kids never learn Samantha, they always end up getting themselves into stupid crap but just they wait. Life will eventually hit them from behind and things might finally get through their thick skulls." Richard said as their conversation shifted from complaining to laughter, which only fueled Dwight's anger revolving him in saying a vulgar term under his breath towards them.
"Fuck you..."